After a term away from local politics, former Mayor Bryce Nimmo is ready to go back into the ring.
    Nimmo, who served as Mayor from 2006-2010, has decided to run for a position as a Drumheller Town Councillor. 
    “We need to look ahead,” said Nimmo, noting his concern about the future of the community.
    Bryce and Rosalie came to the valley in 1996 as owners and operators of Taste the Past. Following the sale of their bed and breakfast business, they made the decision to remain in Drumheller because of their love of the people and the town. 
    With his experience, he brings a vision for the future of Drumheller. During his time as mayor he said there were a number of studies completed chock full of innovative ideas on how to boost the local economy and tourism.
    He said Drumheller is a unique community and has the opportunity to position itself as a desirable place to visit, live and retire.
    “We have a beautiful hospital, we have doctors, we are an hour and half from an international airport and have all the needed services,” said Nimmo.
    He believes economic growth is the most important way to grow the tax base of the community and maintain a high level of service.
    “We all have concerns about tax increases over the last few years, but the way to keep your taxes down is to attract more businesses and residents to expand the base,” said Nimmo.
    He applauds the efforts of Drumheller Town Council, especially for its effort during the flood and continuing to stand up for the community during the recovery process, adding the response of volunteers during the flood was a testament to the community spirit of Drumheller.
    The future of Drumheller lies in continuing to attract and retain residents. Part of that is encouraging businesses to open and operate in a free and competitive atmosphere, and to continue developing to make the valley attractive for people to call home.
    He says the success of the Badlands Community Facility is proof that these are the kinds of amenities that people want and it is important to bring the second phase of the facility to fruition.
    “The towns I see that are successful, identify their strengths and build upon them,” said Nimmo.
    Four of the six incumbent Councillors intend to run for re-election. Councillors Berdahl and Stanford have announced they will step down.

    Today (Friday, September 6), Drumheller is getting a chance to shine on an international stage when the Tour of Alberta races through town.
    Mayor Terry Yemen attended the first day of racing in Edmonton earlier this week and is expecting an exciting day in Drumheller.
    “It’s very exciting. I didn’t know much about the international biking scene before, but being up here and seeing the fan support is like being at the Superbowl,”    said Yemen. “It’s incredible they’re coming through Alberta and Drumheller.”
    The racers are some of the best in the world. Including, Peter Sagan, who won Stage 1 on Wednesday and the prologue the day before.
    Yemen was at Winston Churchill Square in Edmonton for the prologue race and, though the race itself is exciting to watch, noted everything else the Tour of Alberta has to offer.
    “There’s a whole carnival atmosphere that comes with it, so it’s going to be a great day for Drumheller,” said Yemen.
    It is expected the racers will start arriving in Drumheller between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. for their first pass through town. The racers will descend into the valley on Highway 9 South, then travel north on to 5th Street East and Riverside Drive. From there, they head on to Gordon Taylor Bridge and north out of town on Highway 9/56.
    The race then turns west past Morrin and loops back to Drumheller via Highways 837 and 575, past Nacmine.
    The race then turns into Newcastle on 12 Street West, then east on to Newcastle Trail and 3rd Avenue. The final leg will go from 3rd Avenue to Railway Avenue East, to 5th Street East and Riverside Drive, and finish in front of the Badlands Community Facility.
    The hope is the Tour of Alberta will draw more international visitors next year.
    “It’s really going to put us on the world map. Maybe next year we’ll get more international bikers through here, instead of going from Calgary to Banff,” said Yemen. “What a great way to end a summer.”
    Everyone is encouraged to come and cheer the racers as they go through Drumheller and then attend the festival at the Badlands Community Facility.

The Tour of Alberta will be passing through Drumheller twice today. First, the racers come down Highway 9 South, head north along 5th Street East and Riverside Drive, and then out of town on Highway 9/56. They loop around and return to Drumheller on Highway 575 and then wind their way through Newcastle and downtown, before finish in front of the Badlands Community Facility.